Arsonist Rattles Rural Community

Latest Target Heightens Concerns

February 18, 2002|By TRACY GORDON FOX; Courant Staff Writer

KILLINGLY — First, the fires were set in sheds, garages and an old barn.

But whoever has been setting fire to structures in this rural community raised the stakes two weeks ago when a flea market was targeted. Authorities are worried that homes or other businesses could be next.

Since Dec. 1, there have been seven arson fires in Killingly and neighboring Pomfret that police and fire officials believe are related. A task force has been established to investigate the fires, which have caused losses totaling more than $300,000.

``He graduated to an occupied building when he did the flea market,'' said Killingly Fire Chief Joe Roy. ``Sometimes these people get bold.''

So far, the arsonist has been torching buildings in the middle of the afternoon in a town where a task force of state troopers was recently assigned to concentrate on quelling crime and other activities that hurt residents' quality of life.

Police are asking residents to be alert for suspicious vehicles, to write down license plate numbers, and to call police if they notice any unusual activity. In a town of nearly 50 square miles, no one knows where the next fire might be.

``We can't be everywhere, that's the problem,'' Roy said.

Sgt. Michael Spellman, who supervises a task force of troopers in Danielson and Brooklyn, said the police are hoping leads from the community will help solve the arsons.

``There are a lot of eyes and ears out there,'' Spellman said. ``There is obvious concern. People have to be more vigilant, and if they see something suspicious, give us a shout. Copy down license plates.''

Peter Deary, president of Danielson Main St. Inc., a business association, said business owners are concerned, even though so far there have been no fires in the business district.

``Since Sept. 11, we've been told by a lot of people to keep our eyes open. It doesn't have to be in the city. It can be anywhere. [The fires] have brought it more to the forefront,'' Deary said.

Investigators believe the arsonist drives because of the large area where the fires have been set. Apparently no accelerants have been used so far, but the old wood in many of the structures has caused the fires to spread quickly.

``You never know why people do these things. We're staying on top of it and using every resource available,'' said Lt. Lawrence Gibeault, who commands the Danielson barracks. ``Arsons are difficult cases to solve.''

Killingly investigators have contacted officials in Colchester, which weathered a series of arson fires several years ago. There were more than 30 fires, two of which damaged a landmark fabric store and an historic home. One person was arrested in those cases, but the charges were later dropped.

In Killingly, all but one of the fires has been in unoccupied buildings.

``They've all been in abandoned buildings except for the flea market,'' said Trooper Roger Baxter, an investigator with the state fire marshal's office. We're always concerned that it could [escalate].''

Police said they are following several leads and have statements given by witnesses.

``Give us some time and we'll have a resolution to the case,'' Spellman said.

Anyone with information about the fires should call the state police in Danielson at 860-779-4900.